Week 13-2 Introduction to Sociology / Race_and_Ethnicity

1. Summary

An objective classification based on distinct physical differences between humans is the race. Races are classified by skin color, morphological features of the face, and hair color. Classification by these physical differences affects the social identity of mankind. It is ethnicity that categorizes humanity not by physical differences, but by social characteristics shared by humanity. Representative social characteristics considered for classifying ethnicity are nationality, tribe, religious beliefs, shared language, shared culture, shared traditions, etc. There have been scientific attempts to classify races since the 17th century. According to them, race occurs objectively and naturally. There is also a strong link between the biological race and the social phenomena of humans.

Meanwhile, there have been attempts to combine skin color and national identity as part of combining race and ethnicity. Some sociologists and biologists consider race as a social construct, They classify ethnicity based on religion, culture, and nationality, For example, in the United States, racial classification has varied from the beginning of the country. However, it is more related to maintaining the roles or positions defined for the group rather than resort to biology. In other words, the criteria for classifying races are artificial and social. Because of this, racism exists. Racial discrimination in the article refers to treating individuals differently according to racial classification. This racism is not only social lever, but also personal relation. Examples include black people who are at risk, or employers who fire someone because of their race. Apart from that, racial discrimination occurs about social structures and cultures. Meanwhile, race is one of the factors stratifying society. Humanity has long evaluated intelligence and other abilities based on physical differences. This justified the discrimination of certain groups. This inequality still exists in our society,

2. Interesting

-It was natural and somewhat shocking that the racial discrimination we often encounter through news is not because of their physical differences, but because of the prejudice in society that connects physical differences with social characteristics. This is because it means that personal feelings for a particular race may be feelings that are actually manipulated by society.

3. Discussion

-What we naturally think about in personal relationships may actually be socially biased. Is there another example besides racism? Let's think together.

-What is the concept of race you are analyzing? Do you have any logic to refute the concept of the race of ethnicity in this article?

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